Translation Technique and Theological Exegesis

This cogent collection of essays reflects Olofsson’s Septuagint studies throughout the course of more than a decade, addressing methods for productive discussion of theology and translation technique in the Septuagint. The book displays the author’s engagement in debates among scholars surrounding the Septuagint in the modern era. Olofsson responds to the notion that an exclusive preoccupation with translation technique does not lead to a full understanding of the Septuagint translation; he concedes this but argues that exploring translation technique is the necessary foundation for a serious discussion of the theology of the translator(s) and the Vorlage. In addition to the theological assumptions of the Septuagint translators, Olofsson’s concerns in the essays herein include but are not limited to anti-anthropomorphism in the Psalms, Jewish interpretive tradition, Septuagint word order, Qumran texts, and law in the Septuagint Psalms. All of the essays are revised and corrected; some now include discussions of relevant literature that Olofsson was not able to incorporate in the original presentations. Throughout the work, Olofsson takes into account the contributions of fellow researchers on the Septuagint, bringing his unique perspectives to bear on a variegated and broad corpus of research literature.